The Syrian conflict has been ongoing for a little over four years now. 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, which has lead to a huge humanitarian crisis.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
SYRIAN CONFLICT
by: Aryan Javan
Introduction
Since 2011, Syria has been in a constant state of civil war, between President Bashar al-Assad's government regime and rebel Syrian forces. The rebels have now been replaced by extremist group ISIS. The Free Syrian Army Moderates (FSAM) are stuck in the middle and are the only ones left to fight for a free, democratic Syria. The FSAM is currently fighting both the Assad-led forces and ISIS.
The entire conflict was sparked after teenagers in the Syrian town, Dar'
a, were arrested and tortured for painting revolutionary slogans on a school wall. The city protested the atrocities only to be senselessly slaughtered by Syrian government troops. This spread civil unrest throughout the country.
As per BBC, by 2013 over 90 thousand Syrians were killed and that number was nearly doubled to 191 thousand in 2014 (the current death toll has reached 220 thousand as of March 2015)! Both sides are accused of horrible crimes, such as: murder, rape, torture and civil suffering (blocking access to water, food and health services). Assad and his regime have been caught using chemical weapons against civilians. Optimism during the "Arab Spring" movement showed the world Assad's atrocities and horrible treatment of his citizens.
Four out of five Syrians are now considered to be living below the poverty line. More than 11 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes. Another 4 million Syrians have left as refugees to other countries (Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon). This marks one of the largest exoduses in recent history. There are around 5.6 million children in need of humanitarian assistance.
FSAM supporter and American-born Syrian activist, Aladdin Kanawati, works with an organization known as Peacebuilding Solutions. He has been able to travel this region and details some of his work with refugees in Amman, Jordan.
"Basically, we go house-to-house, to people with no money, no food or barely anything from the international organizations, and listen to their stories," explained Kanawati, "we hear horrible things that have happened to these people and offer them free therapeutic/psychiatric care for their mental health."
"I know guys that one day are fighting against the forces of Assad," states Kanawati, "and the next day they are running away from ISIS."
Kanawati works with the Syrian refugees in the capital city of Jordan, Amman. Him and his mother were helping traumatized refugees receive proper mental care and rehabilitation (this project was shut down eventually due to lack of funds). Kanawati works with the Syrian American Medical Society while staying in Amman.
The Free Syrian Army Moderates want neither ISIS or Assad to stay in power. They fight for an independent and democratic Syria of the future. The entire Middle-East may of been prone to less conflict if the political boundaries were drawn correctly by the Western powers in the 1920's. Just like Africa (when Europe and the world partitioned Africa like a pizza), the boundaries put ethnic groups that did not like each other in the same place. It was a foundation set up to fail from the get go.
"I know this is not practical, but we need to gather all the leaders of these countries and literally redraw the boundaries of each nation, pleasing the Shi'a's, Sunni's, and Kurd's," said Kanawati, " maybe eventually leading to a Middle-Eastern Union one day, much like they have in Europe."
This information was provided by BBC News
Rodgers, L., Gritten, D., Offer, J., & Asare, P. (2015, March 12). Syria: The story of the conflict. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868
Introduction
Since 2011, Syria has been in a constant state of civil war, between President Bashar al-Assad's government regime and rebel Syrian forces. The rebels have now been replaced by extremist group ISIS. The Free Syrian Army Moderates (FSAM) are stuck in the middle and are the only ones left to fight for a free, democratic Syria. The FSAM is currently fighting both the Assad-led forces and ISIS.
The entire conflict was sparked after teenagers in the Syrian town, Dar'
a, were arrested and tortured for painting revolutionary slogans on a school wall. The city protested the atrocities only to be senselessly slaughtered by Syrian government troops. This spread civil unrest throughout the country.
As per BBC, by 2013 over 90 thousand Syrians were killed and that number was nearly doubled to 191 thousand in 2014 (the current death toll has reached 220 thousand as of March 2015)! Both sides are accused of horrible crimes, such as: murder, rape, torture and civil suffering (blocking access to water, food and health services). Assad and his regime have been caught using chemical weapons against civilians. Optimism during the "Arab Spring" movement showed the world Assad's atrocities and horrible treatment of his citizens.
Four out of five Syrians are now considered to be living below the poverty line. More than 11 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes. Another 4 million Syrians have left as refugees to other countries (Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon). This marks one of the largest exoduses in recent history. There are around 5.6 million children in need of humanitarian assistance.
The Difference
FSAM supporter and American-born Syrian activist, Aladdin Kanawati, works with an organization known as Peacebuilding Solutions. He has been able to travel this region and details some of his work with refugees in Amman, Jordan.
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| Photo of Aladdin Kanawati and Syrian refugee boy [Picture taken by: Will Moran]
The conflict seems not so much who is loyal to Assad anymore, it is now turned to a Shi'a Muslim versus Sunni Muslim conflict. The Assad regime is gaining support from Hezbollah and Iran (a predominately Shi'a Muslim nation) and the rebel forces have been replaced by the Islamic extremist group ISIS. Kanawati details that the FSAM are now caught in the middle.
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"I know guys that one day are fighting against the forces of Assad," states Kanawati, "and the next day they are running away from ISIS."
Kanawati works with the Syrian refugees in the capital city of Jordan, Amman. Him and his mother were helping traumatized refugees receive proper mental care and rehabilitation (this project was shut down eventually due to lack of funds). Kanawati works with the Syrian American Medical Society while staying in Amman.
Final Words
The Free Syrian Army Moderates want neither ISIS or Assad to stay in power. They fight for an independent and democratic Syria of the future. The entire Middle-East may of been prone to less conflict if the political boundaries were drawn correctly by the Western powers in the 1920's. Just like Africa (when Europe and the world partitioned Africa like a pizza), the boundaries put ethnic groups that did not like each other in the same place. It was a foundation set up to fail from the get go.
"I know this is not practical, but we need to gather all the leaders of these countries and literally redraw the boundaries of each nation, pleasing the Shi'a's, Sunni's, and Kurd's," said Kanawati, " maybe eventually leading to a Middle-Eastern Union one day, much like they have in Europe."
This information was provided by BBC News
Rodgers, L., Gritten, D., Offer, J., & Asare, P. (2015, March 12). Syria: The story of the conflict. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868
How to Help the Syrians
by: Aryan Javan
A dear friend of mine, Aladdin Kanawati, an American-born-Syrian, voluntarily works with Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees in Jordan. Kanawati is a supporter of the Free Syria Army Moderates, which is not in favor of the ISIS group or Assad backed regime. They fight for a free, independent, and democratic Syrian nation. He details how the nations of the Middle-East must get past their religious and ethnic differences to unite as one.
Aladdin works with the organization, Peacebuilding Solutions. Peacebuilding Solutions helps refugees, disaster stricken populations and other people in need of asistance. There efforts have mainly begun in refugee camps in many different nations. Kanawati works with Syrian refugees that have been displaced in Jordan.
"For all the negativity to cease, the people must look at each either and realize they are all just humans," states Kanawati.
The tension of the Syrian conflict has really very intense and very real for the people who live that nation. To help the cause and learn about the Peacebuilding Solutions campaign visit their website!
To read the full story on Syria and their regime click here.
A dear friend of mine, Aladdin Kanawati, an American-born-Syrian, voluntarily works with Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees in Jordan. Kanawati is a supporter of the Free Syria Army Moderates, which is not in favor of the ISIS group or Assad backed regime. They fight for a free, independent, and democratic Syrian nation. He details how the nations of the Middle-East must get past their religious and ethnic differences to unite as one.
Aladdin works with the organization, Peacebuilding Solutions. Peacebuilding Solutions helps refugees, disaster stricken populations and other people in need of asistance. There efforts have mainly begun in refugee camps in many different nations. Kanawati works with Syrian refugees that have been displaced in Jordan.
"For all the negativity to cease, the people must look at each either and realize they are all just humans," states Kanawati.
The tension of the Syrian conflict has really very intense and very real for the people who live that nation. To help the cause and learn about the Peacebuilding Solutions campaign visit their website!
To read the full story on Syria and their regime click here.
Friday, April 17, 2015
The Barter 6: Young Thug
By: Aryan Javan
Young Thug released his highly anticipated debut-album The Barter 6 on Thursday. The album boasts features from T.I., Boosie, Young Dolph and of course Birdman.
The Barter 6 has been highly controversial due to its name (formerly known as The Carter 6). Thugger was thinking the album would be looked at as a commemorative piece of work to his favorite rapper and idle, Lil Wayne, but instead Wayne took offense to the copycat title. So instead of paying homage to his favorite rapper, it in turn started beef with his favorite rapper.
Anyone who follows rap knows the ongoing feud between Wayne and Birdman. It now seems Thug has been caught in the nets. Thug originally planned to carry on Wayne's Carter series by doing Carter's 6-10, but criticism and harsh words by Wayne made him change the title. Wayne's The Carter V has still yet to be released due to ongoing legal issues.
The reason why Thug changed it the Barter is because in the Blood Gang culture it is common for words that begin with the letter "C" to be changed to the letter "B," thus The Barter 6. Anything that starts with "C" is seen as being involved with the rival Crip Gang.
Thug is seen as Birdman's new prodigy, and Wayne is the old dog with no new tricks. The sound of Thugger has taken the rap game by storm. Even though I love Wayne, he even tried to emulate Thug's style a bit in Sorry for the Wait 2. Never the less, it will be interesting to see what the reaction to the album is in a couple weeks time.
Young Thug released his highly anticipated debut-album The Barter 6 on Thursday. The album boasts features from T.I., Boosie, Young Dolph and of course Birdman.
The Barter 6 has been highly controversial due to its name (formerly known as The Carter 6). Thugger was thinking the album would be looked at as a commemorative piece of work to his favorite rapper and idle, Lil Wayne, but instead Wayne took offense to the copycat title. So instead of paying homage to his favorite rapper, it in turn started beef with his favorite rapper.
Anyone who follows rap knows the ongoing feud between Wayne and Birdman. It now seems Thug has been caught in the nets. Thug originally planned to carry on Wayne's Carter series by doing Carter's 6-10, but criticism and harsh words by Wayne made him change the title. Wayne's The Carter V has still yet to be released due to ongoing legal issues.
The reason why Thug changed it the Barter is because in the Blood Gang culture it is common for words that begin with the letter "C" to be changed to the letter "B," thus The Barter 6. Anything that starts with "C" is seen as being involved with the rival Crip Gang.
Thug is seen as Birdman's new prodigy, and Wayne is the old dog with no new tricks. The sound of Thugger has taken the rap game by storm. Even though I love Wayne, he even tried to emulate Thug's style a bit in Sorry for the Wait 2. Never the less, it will be interesting to see what the reaction to the album is in a couple weeks time.
Do you think Young Thug should have changed the name? Do you think Lil Wayne should be angry? What's your take on The Barter 6?
UPDATE: As of yesterday, The Barter 6, is officially being released as a mixtape and not Young Thug's debut-album. According to 300 president Lyor Cohen, August 28th is now the scheduled release date of Thug's debut-album, Hy!£UN35.
FREE GUCCI MANE PETITION
Click here to be sent to the page of a petition to release rapper Gucci Mane aka Radric Davis early from prison.
Lets bring Guwop home!!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
2015 NBA Playoff Preview
By: Aryan Javan
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!
As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)
This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)
Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.
#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)
This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.
#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)
From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)
The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.
#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)
A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)
This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.
#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)
The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!
As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)
ATL
Paul Millsap (16.7 PPG)
Paul Millsap (7.8 RPG)
Jeff Teague (7.0 APG)
BKN
Brook Lopez (17.2 PPG)
Brook Lopez (7.4 RPG)
Deron Williams (6.6 APG)
This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)
CLE
LeBron James (25.3 PPG)
Kevin Love (9.7 RPG)
LeBron James (7.4 APG)
BOS
Isaiah Thomas (19.0 PPG)
Jared Sullinger (7.6 RPG)
Evan Turner (5.5 APG)
Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.
#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)
CHI
Jimmy Butler (20.0 PPG)
Pau Gasol (11.8 RPG)
Derrick Rose (4.9 APG)
MIL
Michael Carter-Williams (14.1 PPG)
Zaza Pachulia (6.8 RPG)
Michael Carter-Williams (5.6 APG)
This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.
#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)
TOR
DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG)
Jonas Valanciunas (8.7 RPG)
Kyle Lowry (6.8 APG)
WAS
John Wall (17.6 PPG)
Marcin Gortat (8.7 RPG)
John Wall (10.0 APG)
From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)
GSW
Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG)
Draymond Green (8.2 RPG)
Stephen Curry (7.7 APG)
NOLA
Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG)
Anthony Davis (10.2 RPG)
Jrue Holiday (6.9 APG)
The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.
#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)
HOU
James Harden (27.4 PPG)
Dwight Howard (10.5 RPG)
James Harden (7.0 APG)
DAL
Monta Ellis (18.9 PPG)
Tyson Chandler (11.5 RPG)
Rajon Rondo (6.5 APG)
A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.
#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)
LAC
Blake Griffin (21.9 PPG)
DeAndre Jordan (15.0 RPG)
Chris Paul (10.2 APG)
SAS
Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG)
Tim Duncan (9.1 RPG)
Tony Parker (4.9 APG)
This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.
#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)
POR
LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 PPG)
LaMarcus Aldridge 10.2 RPG)
Damian Lillard (6.2 APG)
MEM
Marc Gasol (17.4 PPG)
Zach Randolph (10.5 RPG)
Mike Conley (5.4 APG)
The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.
GET READY THE PLAYOFFS ARE GONNA BE LIVE!!!!!
PICTURES PROVIDED BY FLICKR.COM
Friday, April 3, 2015
Iran and Social Media
By: Aryan Javan
A nuclear deal between World Powers and Iran was tentatively agreed upon Thursday. This possibly will ease the economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limited nuclear weapon development. The sanctions most-likely will be gradually lifted rather than all at once. The two sides have been marred by tension for years, as Iran claims to be in the developmental process of a nuclear weapon which most of the world is against.
In relation to new media, many Iranian citizens took to social media to show their satisfaction. Over the past week many were tuned into social media, TV or whatever medium, to get the breaking news. The state TV broadcast even showed Obama's speech live on Thursday, which is very uncommon for the government funded news broadcast. People posted pictures of them celebrating, them watching the speeches, all sorts of happy images. There are of course still going to be protests, but for the most part people on both sides can take a sigh of relief.
Social media makes the world smaller. Thus, people can show what is happening across the world in a matter of seconds. In a place like Iran, people have a thirst for the western world. I have traveled there about 6 times on different occasions, different regimes, different political climates, and most every time the people are just curious. There is no hate among the citizens there. They asked me questions about the NBA, the movies, the girls, the food, stuff every foreigner would want to know. They let me join them in their soccer games and late-night gatherings. The media has perpetuated the axis of evil label and that is all people think about when they think Iran. Instead of the beautiful and rich culture of the ancient land.
Tying this back into social media, Iranians recently have been able to make connections to the rest of the world via social media. When the protests in 2011-12 happened, images where shown to the world via Facebook and Twitter. People were taking advantage to show the political climate during that time. The Iranian people do have a voice and it does need to be heard. My only hope is that one day all of this is to be solved diplomatically and Iran may once again open its doors to the west.
A nuclear deal between World Powers and Iran was tentatively agreed upon Thursday. This possibly will ease the economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limited nuclear weapon development. The sanctions most-likely will be gradually lifted rather than all at once. The two sides have been marred by tension for years, as Iran claims to be in the developmental process of a nuclear weapon which most of the world is against.
(Picture of Tehran, Iran)
In relation to new media, many Iranian citizens took to social media to show their satisfaction. Over the past week many were tuned into social media, TV or whatever medium, to get the breaking news. The state TV broadcast even showed Obama's speech live on Thursday, which is very uncommon for the government funded news broadcast. People posted pictures of them celebrating, them watching the speeches, all sorts of happy images. There are of course still going to be protests, but for the most part people on both sides can take a sigh of relief.
Social media makes the world smaller. Thus, people can show what is happening across the world in a matter of seconds. In a place like Iran, people have a thirst for the western world. I have traveled there about 6 times on different occasions, different regimes, different political climates, and most every time the people are just curious. There is no hate among the citizens there. They asked me questions about the NBA, the movies, the girls, the food, stuff every foreigner would want to know. They let me join them in their soccer games and late-night gatherings. The media has perpetuated the axis of evil label and that is all people think about when they think Iran. Instead of the beautiful and rich culture of the ancient land.
Tying this back into social media, Iranians recently have been able to make connections to the rest of the world via social media. When the protests in 2011-12 happened, images where shown to the world via Facebook and Twitter. People were taking advantage to show the political climate during that time. The Iranian people do have a voice and it does need to be heard. My only hope is that one day all of this is to be solved diplomatically and Iran may once again open its doors to the west.
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